Trajectory described by a man-made or natural satellite around a celestial body. It corresponds to the sequence of positions of the satellite in space.What is an orbit?

orbit

1. To describe an orbit. Synonym: gravitate.

2. To place a spacecraft into orbit around a celestial body.

orbit determination / orbitography

Technique that consists of determining and representing a satellite’s orbit.

orbit slot

Region in space within which a geostationary satellite must remain to fulfil its mission without interfering with neighbouring satellites.

orbital debris

Solid waste of man-made origin orbiting Earth. Some 8,000 debris objects larger than 10 centimetres have been catalogued, 20% of which are spent satellites. There are billions of microscopic debris objects.

orbital elements / orbital parameters

Set of numeric values defining an orbit described by an object in space, and its position on that orbit.What is an orbit?

orbital inclination

Angle between the orbital plane of a man-made satellite and the equatorial plane.What is an orbit?

orbital mechanics

Branch of astronautics that studies the motions of man-made satellites and determines their orbits.

orbite d'attente

Temporary orbit, usually near a planet, from which a spacecraft can be moved to a new orbit at an appropriate time.What is an orbit?

orbiter

Spacecraft designed to remain in orbit around a celestial body to perform a remote-sensing mission.

orbiting

Operation intended to place a spacecraft into orbit around a celestial body as a man-made satellite.

orthostatic

Related to the standing position. For humans, the head is therefore above the heart in the orthostatic position. Antonym: anti-orthostatic.

oxidizer

Oxidizing substance that, when combined with a reducer (fuel), causes combustion to generate thrust for a rocket engine.